Upgrading to Windows 11 is usually straightforward on a compatible PC, but the preparation you do beforehand can make the difference between a smooth installation and a frustrating day spent dealing with missing files, incompatible software, BitLocker recovery prompts, driver problems, or an upgrade that fails halfway through.
If you are moving from Windows 10, there is even more reason to prepare properly. Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025, so an eligible computer should not be upgraded carelessly just because you want to leave Windows 10 behind.
Before upgrading to Windows 11, check whether your PC is officially compatible, back up important files, make sure you can recover your BitLocker key, install pending Windows updates, free up storage, and check your essential applications and devices.
This guide focuses on what to do before you begin the Windows 11 installation. Once you are ready, you can follow my complete guide on how to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 for the actual upgrade methods.
Quick Checklist Before Upgrading to Windows 11
Before you click Download and install:
- Check that your PC officially supports Windows 11.
- Run Microsoft PC Health Check.
- Confirm that TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot are available.
- Update your current version of Windows.
- Back up your important files.
- Save your BitLocker or device-encryption recovery key.
- Check that you have enough free storage.
- Confirm your Windows activation and edition.
- Check important software for Windows 11 compatibility.
- Review critical drivers and manufacturer support.
- Disconnect unnecessary external devices.
- Fix serious existing Windows problems.
- Create a recovery plan.
- Make sure you have stable power and internet access.
- Do not force an upgrade on unsupported hardware without understanding the risks.
1. Check Whether Your PC Officially Supports Windows 11
The first thing to do is check compatibility.
Do not assume that a PC can run Windows 11 simply because it has enough RAM or storage. Windows 11 has requirements involving the processor, firmware, TPM, Secure Boot capability, graphics support, and other components.
Microsoft’s current minimum requirements include a compatible 64-bit processor with at least two cores running at 1 GHz or faster, 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB or more of storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability, TPM 2.0, DirectX 12-compatible graphics with a WDDM 2.0 driver, and a qualifying display.
The processor requirement matters as well. A PC can have 16 GB of RAM and plenty of storage but still not be officially eligible because its processor is unsupported.
If you already know that your computer is eligible, continue to the next checks. If you are unsure, do not guess.
2. Run Microsoft PC Health Check
The simplest way to check upgrade readiness is Microsoft’s PC Health Check app.
The app examines the computer and tells you whether it meets the requirements for Windows 11. If it identifies a problem, the result can help you determine whether the issue is something that can be changed, such as a disabled TPM setting, or something more fundamental, such as unsupported hardware.
This matters because some compatibility issues can result in a temporary upgrade block. Microsoft uses compatibility safeguards when a known application or driver problem could affect the upgrade experience.
Do not immediately start changing BIOS settings just because PC Health Check reports that the PC is not ready. Read the specific reason first.
3. Check TPM 2.0 Before the Upgrade
TPM 2.0 is one of the requirements that causes the most confusion.
On some computers, TPM support exists but is disabled in UEFI or BIOS. Depending on the processor and motherboard, you may see it described as:
- TPM
- Intel PTT
- Platform Trust Technology
- AMD fTPM
- Firmware TPM
- Security Device Support
You can check the TPM status from Windows by pressing Windows + R, typing:
tpm.msc
and pressing Enter.
Look for the Specification Version. If it shows 2.0, the TPM version meets the Windows 11 requirement.
If Windows says that a compatible TPM cannot be found, do not immediately buy hardware. Check the PC or motherboard documentation first because the feature may simply be disabled.
If you need to enter your firmware settings, do not change unrelated options. Changing several BIOS settings at once can make troubleshooting difficult if something later goes wrong.
4. Check Secure Boot and Your Firmware Configuration
Windows 11 requires UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability.
Secure Boot capability does not always mean Secure Boot is currently enabled. Your computer may support it while using a firmware configuration that needs attention.
Check compatibility before making changes.
If you need to adjust firmware settings, take note of the current configuration first. This is especially important if you have:
- A dual-boot setup
- Custom storage configurations
- Older hardware
- BitLocker or device encryption enabled
- A custom-built PC
Secure Boot and TPM settings can affect encryption and boot behavior. Do not change them casually in the middle of an upgrade attempt.
5. Install Pending Windows Updates First
Update your current version of Windows before attempting the major upgrade.
On Windows 10, open:
Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update
Then click:
Check for updates
Install the important updates and restart the PC when required.
Updating first can resolve servicing problems and make sure your current Windows installation is in a suitable state for the upgrade.
If Windows Update is already showing repeated errors, fix those first instead of assuming the Windows 11 upgrade will solve them. An existing update problem can follow you into the upgrade process.
TechWiseZone already has a guide on how to stop Windows Update in Windows 11, but before a major operating-system upgrade, the goal is the opposite: you want the current installation reasonably up to date and stable.
6. Back Up Important Files
An in-place upgrade is designed to preserve your personal files and applications. That does not mean you should rely on the upgrade as a backup strategy.
Back up anything you cannot afford to lose.
This may include:
- Documents
- Photos
- Videos
- Work files
- Project folders
- Downloads that are not stored elsewhere
- Browser bookmarks that are not synced
- Password databases
- Email archives
- Game saves that are not cloud-synced
- Application settings
- License information
- Virtual machine files
For important data, use more than one copy where practical.
You can back up to:
- An external SSD
- An external hard drive
- OneDrive
- Another cloud storage service
- A NAS
- Another trusted computer
Do not wait until the Windows 11 installer is already running to start looking for important files.
A good backup is one you can actually access and restore from.
7. Save Your BitLocker Recovery Key
This is one of the most important steps that many users overlook.
If BitLocker or device encryption is enabled, changes involving TPM, Secure Boot, or firmware can sometimes cause Windows to ask for a recovery key.
Before upgrading, make sure you know where that key is stored.
Do not assume you will remember the password or that Windows will automatically bypass the recovery screen.
If the computer is owned by your employer or managed by an organization, contact the administrator before making firmware or encryption changes.
Also remember that the Windows 11 upgrade itself is different from randomly changing security settings. Avoid unnecessary TPM or Secure Boot changes if the PC is already configured correctly.
8. Check Your Available Storage Space
Windows 11 requires a storage device of at least 64 GB, but that minimum requirement should not be confused with having enough comfortable free space for an upgrade and future updates.
Before upgrading, check your current free space.
Go to:
Settings > System > Storage
If the system drive is nearly full, clean it up before starting.
Look for:
- Large downloads
- Old videos
- Temporary files
- Unused applications
- Old installation files
- Duplicate files
- Large game files you no longer play
Do not delete files you are unsure about simply to create space. Back up important data first.
Also remember that the previous Windows installation may be kept temporarily after an in-place upgrade to support rollback. That can require additional storage.
9. Confirm Your Windows Version, Edition, and Activation
Before upgrading, check exactly what you are currently running.
Press Windows + R, type:
winver
and press Enter.
You can also check:
Settings > System > About
Make a note of:
- Windows version
- Windows edition
- Device name
- Processor
- Installed RAM
Then check activation:
Settings > Update & Security > Activation
An eligible, properly activated Windows 10 PC can normally upgrade to the corresponding Windows 11 edition without requiring you to buy another license.
For example:
- Windows 10 Home generally upgrades to Windows 11 Home
- Windows 10 Pro generally upgrades to Windows 11 Pro
Do not buy a new product key simply because you are moving to Windows 11 unless your licensing situation genuinely requires one.
10. Check Your Most Important Applications
Most modern software will work on Windows 11, but “most” is not the same as “all.”
Before upgrading, make a short list of the applications you genuinely depend on.
Pay extra attention to:
- Business software
- Accounting applications
- Older VPN clients
- Security software
- Audio production tools
- Specialist engineering software
- Legacy printer utilities
- Older games
- Virtualization software
- Hardware monitoring tools
- Applications with expensive licenses
Check the developer’s current Windows 11 support information if the application is critical to your work.
Do not test compatibility for the first time after upgrading if the application is essential and downtime would be a serious problem.
11. Check Important Drivers and Manufacturer Support
You do not need to manually download every driver before upgrading.
However, you should know where to find the important drivers if something does not work afterward.
Visit your PC manufacturer’s official support page and check for Windows 11 support for your exact model.
The most important drivers usually include:
- Chipset
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth
- Graphics
- Audio
- Storage controller
- Touchpad
- Docking station
- Special function keys
For custom-built PCs, check the motherboard and hardware manufacturers.
Avoid downloading drivers from random driver-download websites. If a driver is needed, use Windows Update, the PC manufacturer, or the original hardware manufacturer as appropriate.
12. Disconnect Unnecessary External Devices
Before starting the upgrade, disconnect hardware you do not need.
This can include:
- External storage drives
- USB hubs
- Capture cards
- Older USB adapters
- Specialty controllers
- Unnecessary printers
- Extra docking accessories
Keep only what is necessary for the upgrade, such as:
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- Main display
- Internet connection
- Power
External hardware can sometimes introduce unnecessary driver or setup complications.
After Windows 11 is stable, reconnect the devices one at a time if needed.
13. Fix Existing Windows Problems Before Upgrading
A major upgrade is not a guaranteed repair tool.
If your current Windows installation already has serious problems, investigate them before proceeding.
Examples include:
- Repeated blue screens
- Frequent crashes
- Storage errors
- Failed Windows updates
- Corrupted system files
- Unexplained restarts
- Missing drivers
- Malware concerns
If you are already dealing with a serious boot problem, fix that first. For example, Windows 11 error 0xC0000185 involves boot configuration and startup problems that should be resolved carefully rather than ignored during a major system change.
Likewise, if your computer is already crashing with a virtualization-related stop error, see how to fix HYPERVISOR_ERROR in Windows 11 before making additional system-level changes.
The more stable your current installation is, the easier it is to identify what changed if something goes wrong after upgrading.
14. Create a Recovery Plan Before You Need One
Before upgrading, think about what you would do if the installation fails or the PC does not behave properly afterward.
At minimum, you should have:
- A current backup of important files
- Your BitLocker recovery key, if applicable
- Your important account credentials
- Access to another device if you need to download recovery tools
- A reliable internet connection
- A way to identify your PC model and drivers
For users who want additional protection, a full system-image backup can provide another recovery option.
If you are upgrading from a system that was recently replaced by another operating system, partitioning and boot configuration deserve extra care. My guide on how to go back to Windows 11 from Bazzite explains why identifying the correct installation and protecting files matters before making major changes to partitions or boot data.
15. Make Sure Power and Internet Are Reliable
Do not start a major operating-system upgrade when your laptop battery is nearly empty or when you expect a power interruption.
For a laptop, connect the charger.
For a desktop in an area with unreliable power, consider waiting until you have a stable power source.
You should also have a reasonably stable internet connection, particularly if you are upgrading through Windows Update or using Microsoft’s Installation Assistant.
The PC may restart several times during the process.
Do not force the computer off simply because the progress percentage appears to stay in one place for a while.
Should You Uninstall Antivirus Before Upgrading?
Usually, there is no need to remove reputable security software without a reason.
However, if a specific antivirus, VPN, driver, or application is identified as a compatibility problem by Windows Setup, deal with that issue before continuing.
Do not start removing random software just to “clean” the PC.
A better approach is:
- Check the Windows Setup compatibility message.
- Identify the exact application or driver involved.
- Update it if an updated version is available.
- Remove it only when necessary.
- Restart the PC and check the upgrade again.
Should You Update Every Driver Before Upgrading to Windows 11?
No.
Updating every driver immediately before a major operating-system upgrade can actually introduce unnecessary variables.
Instead:
- Install normal Windows updates.
- Update drivers with known problems.
- Check the PC manufacturer’s Windows 11 support information.
- Make sure you know where to get chipset, network, graphics, and audio drivers afterward.
This gives you a better balance between preparation and stability.
Should You Disable BitLocker Before Upgrading?
Not automatically.
The important thing is to make sure you have access to the recovery key before making changes that could trigger a recovery prompt.
If your PC is already configured correctly and you are performing a normal supported upgrade, avoid making unnecessary encryption changes simply because you are preparing for Windows 11.
Managed work devices should follow the organization’s upgrade procedure.
What If My PC Does Not Meet Windows 11 Requirements?
Do not rush to bypass the requirements.
First, determine why the PC failed the check.
Some issues may be relatively simple:
- TPM exists but is disabled
- Secure Boot capability is present but needs configuration
- The PC needs a firmware update
- The current Windows version needs updating
Other issues may not be reasonably fixable:
- Unsupported processor
- Firmware that cannot support the required configuration
- Hardware that is too old for an official upgrade
Microsoft’s current guidance is to use the compatibility information to determine whether the device can meet the requirements rather than treating unsupported installation methods as the normal upgrade path.
If your PC is not officially eligible, understand the trade-offs before installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware.
A Better Way to Prepare: Use This Order
If you want the shortest practical preparation process, follow this order:
Step 1: Check compatibility
Run PC Health Check and identify any requirement that is not met.
Step 2: Update Windows 10
Install important pending updates and restart the PC.
Step 3: Check TPM and Secure Boot
Confirm that the required security features are available and correctly configured.
Step 4: Check activation and edition
Make sure you know your current Windows version and edition.
Step 5: Back up important files
Do not rely on the upgrade to protect irreplaceable data.
Step 6: Save recovery information
Make sure your BitLocker recovery key and important account credentials are accessible.
Step 7: Check storage
Free enough space for the upgrade and temporary files.
Step 8: Check essential software and drivers
Verify critical applications and know where to obtain official drivers.
Step 9: Disconnect unnecessary hardware
Reduce the chance of peripheral-related problems.
Step 10: Upgrade only when the current system is stable
Fix serious existing errors first.
Once these steps are complete, you are ready for the actual installation. For the next stage, follow my detailed guide on how to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do before upgrading to Windows 11?
Check compatibility, update your current Windows installation, back up important files, save your BitLocker recovery key, check storage space, confirm activation, and review important applications and drivers.
Do I need to back up my files before upgrading to Windows 11?
Yes. A supported in-place upgrade is designed to preserve your files, but important data should still be backed up before any major operating-system change.
Do I need to update Windows 10 before upgrading to Windows 11?
It is a good idea to install important pending updates first and restart the computer. This helps ensure the current Windows installation is in a stable state.
Should I enable TPM before upgrading to Windows 11?
If your PC is compatible but TPM 2.0 is disabled, it may need to be enabled before the official upgrade. Check the exact compatibility result before changing firmware settings.
Should I update all my drivers before upgrading?
No. Focus on existing driver problems and check official manufacturer support for critical components such as chipset, graphics, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and audio.
Will upgrading to Windows 11 delete my files?
A normal in-place upgrade is designed to keep personal files and applications. However, you should still create a backup before starting.
Do I need a new Windows product key?
Usually not for an eligible, properly activated Windows 10 PC upgrading to the corresponding Windows 11 edition.
What is the safest way to upgrade to Windows 11?
For an eligible PC, prepare the system first, back up important data, and then use a supported Microsoft upgrade method. See my full Windows 10 to Windows 11 upgrade guide for the available methods.
Preparing before the upgrade is not wasted time. It protects your files, reduces avoidable compatibility problems, and gives you a clear recovery path if the installation does not go as expected.
